Clothing Made in France? No, better: Made in Paris

Clothing made in France, what does that mean?

"Made in France" seems to be much more than just a mention on a label. It makes us think of a heritage, a craftsmanship and a philosophy focused on quality, authenticity and innovation in the fashion industry. And if a "Made in France" label is affixed to a garment, it lets us imagine ethical workshops, serious and professional craftsmen, an economic fabric preserved in France.

So, choosing a skirt, a pair of pants, a dress, a blouse, etc. labeled Made in France, allows buyers to think that they are participating in a better world and that they are buying quality .
And yet...

Made in France clothes that aren’t...

The law authorizing the mention of Made in France on products is extremely vague. Indeed, the Directorate General for Enterprises (DGE) specifies that "to bear the mention "Made in France" (or Made in France), a manufactured product must:

• derive a significant portion of its value from one or more manufacturing stages located in France
• to have undergone his last substantial transformation In France."

And that's where the problem lies. Some brands have their clothes manufactured far from France, repatriate the finished clothes to French territory, and add their labels and/or composition labels, on which it is mentioned "Made in France". And yes... they consider that the "last substantial transformation" is the addition of these labels.

So here you are with clothes that are Made in France, but which are not (or very little).

I'm talking about it because I saw it with my own eyes!

Prefer Labels

Since the marking of origin can be controversial, strict and demanding labels have been set up by organizations, verifying the veracity of the information provided. These labels assure you of the place of production and the quality of Made in France clothing.

This is why the Made in Paris label, which was awarded to the Militantes, assures you of the origin of the collections that I offer you.

Until then, I put my Made in France clothing labels on without anyone checking it (except me, my good faith and my ethics).
To obtain the Made in Paris label, I had to submit a complete file and be checked by a jury of experts who asked me to prove that my collections were made in Paris. And if I want to keep this label, I will have to submit a file every year and have it validated again.

There are other labels that guarantee that the products you buy are made in France. For example, the "France Terre Textile" label or the "Origine France Garantie" label.

Why choose labeled clothing?

Clothing manufacturing in France contributes significantly to the country's economy by promoting local job creation, supporting small artisans and stimulating innovation. In addition, it promotes fair working conditions and encourages the preservation of traditional crafts. Provided that the vast majority of the pieces are produced in France.

A commitment to sustainability

Labeled brands pay particular attention to sustainability. By promoting environmentally friendly production practices, promoting supplier proximity and prioritizing high-quality materials, they are committed to reducing their ecological footprint.

Also do not believe that the majority of clothes made in France are manufactured abroad.

Far be it from me to say that behind every Made in France garment lies a usurpation of the name.
Many young brands are extremely invested in sustainable development and rightly mention Made in France.
It is not easy to know the different labels offered, proving that this designation is totally justified.

But the lack of information on this subject can lead to purchases that we think are responsible, when they are not. And that the prices paid do not correspond in any way to the costs of the clothes purchased.

So, if Made in France is one of your priority purchasing criteria, the next time you fall for that blazer or coat that you want to add to your wardrobe, stay vigilant. And if you can, check if a label has been granted to the brand.

Find here our Made in France collection, benefiting from the "Made in Paris" label.